Atwood RV water heaters were the dominant aftermarket and OEM brand in the US RV industry from the 1970s through 2014, when Dometic acquired Atwood. Today, Atwood-branded products are still sold but manufactured under Dometic management, with the dealer network and service path consolidated into Dometic\'s broader RV systems support.
Where to buy Atwood (Dometic-administered) water heaters
RV dealerships (primary channel)
Authorized RV dealers handling Dometic products carry Atwood-heritage water heaters. Most major RV brands (Forest River, Jayco, Coachmen, Thor, Keystone) factory-install Atwood-heritage units, so their dealer networks support these products for warranty and replacement.
Camping World
The largest RV retailer in the US, Camping World stocks Atwood-heritage replacement water heaters at most stores. In-store availability varies by location; can be ordered if not stocked.
RV aftermarket retailers
- Tweetys
- RV Parts Country
- RVUpgrades.com
- Bestway RV
These specialty retailers stock Atwood-heritage replacement units and parts at often-competitive prices vs Camping World retail.
Amazon
Atwood-heritage replacement water heaters available through Amazon with rapid shipping. Verify model number compatibility with your RV\'s existing bay opening before ordering.
Atwood replacement model compatibility
If you\'re replacing a failed Atwood water heater, model compatibility matters:
- Exterior bay dimensions: must match existing opening
- Fuel type: gas, gas/electric combo, or electric-only
- Capacity: 6-gallon or 10-gallon typical
- Bypass plumbing connections: compatible with existing RV freshwater system
- Electrical interface: 12V control wiring compatibility
Dometic\'s replacement chart cross-references Atwood-heritage model numbers to current production equivalents.
Authorized service network
Dometic maintains an authorized RV service network handling Atwood-heritage warranty claims and complex repairs. Locator available at dometic.com/dealer-locator. Most major RV-traveled areas have at least one authorized shop.
Pricing expectations
| Model | Typical price |
|---|---|
| 6-gallon gas/electric combo | $350-$550 |
| 10-gallon gas/electric combo | $450-$750 |
| HWOD tankless (premium) | $700-$1,200 |
| Replacement parts (anode, thermocouple) | $15-$80 |
Installation considerations
Atwood RV water heater installation typically requires RV technician expertise. Specific considerations:
- Bypass valve plumbing must be correctly configured
- Propane line connection requires gas-fitter expertise
- 12V control wiring polarity matters
- Exterior access panel must seal properly to prevent water entry and rodent access
- Vent termination per RV manufacturer spec
DIY installation is possible for experienced RV owners; professional install is recommended for owners without prior RV plumbing experience.
Authorized warranty claims
For Atwood-heritage warranty claims:
- Locate model and serial number on the data plate
- Contact Dometic customer service (formerly Atwood customer service)
- Provide proof of purchase if available
- Photo documentation of failure
- Replacement parts or unit dispatched to authorized installer
Considerations against Atwood-branded replacement
Some RV owners replacing failed Atwood units consider switching brands:
- Suburban: the dominant competitor with broader parts ecosystem
- Furrion: modern aesthetics, increasingly common in newer RV builds
- Dometic newer models: tankless HWOD or premium XT line
For brand consistency in existing Atwood-equipped RVs, sticking with Atwood-heritage replacement makes sense. For an upgrade or aesthetic update, consider alternatives.